Kathy M. Michaels, Executive Director Emerita and Co-Founder
Ms. Michaels retired from teaching in 2005 after 37 years at Maryvale Union Free School District in Cheektowaga where she was also planetarium director. Her passion for science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) subjects led her to bring the Challenger Learning Center to Lockport where she continues to share her love of learning with students of all ages.
Ms. Michaels retired from teaching in 2005 after 37 years at Maryvale Union Free School District in Cheektowaga where she was also planetarium director. Her passion for science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) subjects led her to bring the Challenger Learning Center to Lockport where she continues to share her love of learning with students of all ages.
Paul J. Krupinski, Planetarium Presenter and Co-Founder
"Mr. K," as he is known to his students, has been hooked on astronomy since his first planetarium experience in 8th grade at the Maryvale Junior High School Planetarium in Cheektowaga, NY. He holds a Bachelors degree in Geoscience with a minor in Astronomy and a Masters in Earth Science Education with a concentration in planetarium program development.
"Mr. K," as he is known to his students, has been hooked on astronomy since his first planetarium experience in 8th grade at the Maryvale Junior High School Planetarium in Cheektowaga, NY. He holds a Bachelors degree in Geoscience with a minor in Astronomy and a Masters in Earth Science Education with a concentration in planetarium program development.
Michael Schian, Director of Programming
Assistant director, programs coordinator, mission commander, planetarium presenter
Michael is a physicist and astronomer, with experience in teaching and science communication. His research has focused on stellar evolution and star clusters. Michael has designed and designed and led a variety of unique educational programs for the CLC including camp activities and custom planetarium presentations.
Assistant director, programs coordinator, mission commander, planetarium presenter
Michael is a physicist and astronomer, with experience in teaching and science communication. His research has focused on stellar evolution and star clusters. Michael has designed and designed and led a variety of unique educational programs for the CLC including camp activities and custom planetarium presentations.
Krissy Reetz, Director of Operations
Grant Writer, Treasurer, Mission Commander, Planetarium Presenter, after school program coordinator and Instructor
Krissy is a physicist and astronomer. She holds an MS degree in Applied Physics, BS degree in Physics and Astronomy, and was previously a telescope operator at Kitt Peak National Observatory and Lowell Observatory. At the CLC, she designs and runs a variety of educational programs including Space Missions, camps, and custom planetarium presentations.
Grant Writer, Treasurer, Mission Commander, Planetarium Presenter, after school program coordinator and Instructor
Krissy is a physicist and astronomer. She holds an MS degree in Applied Physics, BS degree in Physics and Astronomy, and was previously a telescope operator at Kitt Peak National Observatory and Lowell Observatory. At the CLC, she designs and runs a variety of educational programs including Space Missions, camps, and custom planetarium presentations.
Hadley Douglas, Mission Commander, After-school and Summer Camp Program Coordinator and Instructor
Trent McCarthy, After-school and Summer Camp Program Instructor
Trent McCarthy, After-school and Summer Camp Program Instructor
